Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Discovery

Until the mid-1980s, the only way to make many copies of DNA was to insert the DNA pieces into bacteria and select the desired one from many different colonies growing on a plate. In 1985, Kary Mullis (shown at right) invented a precise and radical new method of selecting and amplifying a section of DNA – the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The revelation came to this eccentric character on a drive in northern California.

(These clips are also found on the DNA Interactive website under Manipulation > Techniques > Amplifying.)

Technique

There is a reason our PCR animation is our most watched ever; the polymerase chain reaction is challenging to describe in anything but a moving image. After you step through the process, check out the graph to fully grasp how quickly DNA can be amplified.

The 3-D version of PCR puts you right down in the eppendorf tube! No glasses required.

Applications

Polymerase chain reaction is a featured technique in several DNALC-developed laboratory protocols. The protocols are available online and for download on several sites: Lab Center includes laboratory pre-activity and follow-up materials including video introduction, background, educational correlations, further exploration, teacher guides, and resources; DNALC Kits has several online protocols developed in collaboration with Carolina Biological Supply Company; Genetics Origins explores use of DNA fingerprints as a starting point in the study of human evolution; and Greenomes explores plant genetics and genome research.

Laboratory Protocol:

Online Version(s)

PDF Version(s)

Using Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms in Evolutionary and Forensic Biology